Symonds-Madison Funeral Home collects 'Stuff the Duffel' donations for foster children
Symonds-Madison Funeral Home is serving as an Elgin drop-off location for the "Stuff the Duffel" donation drive benefiting foster children.
Donations collected now through Tuesday, May 21, will benefit Let it Be Us, a Barrington-based charity that serves foster children and families.
The "Stuff the Duffel" donation drive was founded by Alica Wehby of Crystal Lake, in partnership with Let it Be Us, as a way for the community to heal following the murder of 5-year-old A.J. Freund of Crystal Lake.
"As a mother of young children, my heart broke for A.J. and all who loved him," said Joy Symonds, owner and family services counselor. "We are excited to see the growth of the 'Stuff the Duffel' drive and serve as a collection point for our Elgin neighbors who want to support foster children and families who need basic necessities like toiletries and school supplies."
The official wish list from Stuff the Duffel and Let it Be Us includes new duffel bags and backpacks, along with the following new items:
• For teens: Reusable water bottles, writing utensils, notebooks/journals (no spiral notebooks please), basic school supplies (no scissors please), underwear, socks, blankets, pillows, toiletries, including deodorant, shaving cream, face wash, feminine products, combs, and hairbrushes.
• For children: Stuffed animals, books, small toys, coloring books and crayons, blankets, decorations for bedrooms, fun pillowcases, underwear and socks.
• For babies: Diapers, wipes, bibs, burp cloths, bottles, baby clothes, baby toys, rattles, teething toys, pacifiers, and baby toiletries.
The only used items on the wish list are gently used duffel bags, backpacks, and children's books.
Supporters can also purchase items from the Stuff the Duffel Amazon Wish List, which will be shipped directly to the Wehby Family in Crystal Lake: bit.ly/Stufftheduffel.
The donation drive also has a Facebook Group called, "Stuff the Duffel," where supporters are sharing tips and items they are donating. A full list of donation drop-offs for the greater Chicago area can be found at stufftheduffel.wordpress.com.
Elgin donations can be dropped off today through Sept. 28 to the lobby at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park St., Elgin IL 60120 during business hours Monday through Saturday. Supporters can also contact the funeral home to arrange donations after business hours, as needed.
Symonds-Madison Funeral Home is proudly veteran and family owned, and has served Fox Valley families with integrity and truly personal care for more than 90 years.
Visit www.symondsmadisonfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/symondsmadison.